Evidence supporting the use of: Pinellia
For the body system: Bronchials
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
Pinellia ternata, known as Ban Xia in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), has been used for centuries to support the bronchial and respiratory systems. In TCM, Pinellia is classified as a herb that transforms phlegm and dries dampness, and is commonly used to treat conditions such as cough, excessive sputum, and even nausea or vomiting caused by phlegm accumulation. Classic TCM texts describe its use in formulas like Ban Xia Hou Po Tang, which addresses "plum pit qi" (a sensation of obstruction in the throat often linked to emotional distress and phlegm).
Modern pharmacological studies offer some support for these traditional uses, with research indicating that Pinellia may have expectorant, anti-inflammatory, and antitussive (cough-suppressing) effects in animal models. However, high-quality clinical trials in humans are limited, and most evidence remains based on traditional usage and smaller-scale laboratory research. Importantly, raw Pinellia is considered toxic and must be properly prepared before use; improper use can cause irritation or poisoning.
In summary, Pinellia is justified for supporting the bronchial system mainly through its long history of traditional use in TCM, with partial scientific exploration but lacking strong validation from rigorous human clinical trials. Its effectiveness is therefore best rated at 2 out of 5, reflecting historical precedent with limited modern corroboration.
Other ingredients that support Bronchials
aloe veraalpha-pinene
astragalus
beta-pinene
chamomile
coleus forskohlii
turmeric
forskohlii root
ginger
ginseng
glehnia root
licorice
marshmallow
n-acetyl-cysteine (NAC)
perilla
platycodon root
purple butterbur root
serratiopeptidase
slippery elm bark
thyme
zhejiang fritillary
mullein
catnip
hyssop
lobelia
capsicum
malabar nut
hedychium spicatum
inula racemosa
pistacia integerrima gall
tylophora
lingzhi
prickly ash
fritillaria
myrrh
yerba santa
elecampane
coltsfoot
tartarian aster
caraway
eucalyptus
camphor oil
menthol oil
aster root
abies spectabilis
horehound
herbal blend (proprietary)
Asarum heterotropoides
Asafoetida
Adrenergic amines
Adrenaline
Alsonia scholaris
Adenophora
Arisaema
Asarum sieboldii
Black Seed
Black spruce
Balsam
Boswellic Acid
Bougainvillea
Benzoin
Boswellia
Butterbur
Balloon Flower
Belamcanda
Cineole
Catecholamine
Cajuput
Centipeda
Cowslip
Calamus
Cedrus libani
Chekiang Fritillary
Desmodium
Deerbrush
Ephedra
European Elder
Ephedrine
Elemi
Eriodictyol
Fritillary
Fir
Ivy
Theophylline
Other body systems supported by Pinellia
BronchialsDigestive System
Gastrointestinal Tract
Lungs
Mucus Membranes
Respiratory System
Sinuses
Stomach